Arash Gilan
Arash Gilan speaks about AI, leadership, and that which cannot be measured. The machine calculates faster than we ever will, but it cannot stand at a crossroads and feel which path is yours. That is where his lectures begin: with the question of what makes us irreplaceable, and how to lead from there. Arash Gilan gives lectures in both Swedish and English.
As CEO of Viva, Arash Gilan has not only witnessed digital transformation from the front row, but actively led it. His ability to understand and navigate the digital landscape has earned him accolades such as “Inspiring Leadership of the Year” by Great Place to Work. However, his passion extends far beyond the business world. Through VD-podden (The CEO Podcast), he gives voice to leaders and experts, exploring the corporate landscape of the future and sharing insights on building successful companies in a digital age.
Who is Arash Gilan?
“I came to Sweden as a child, from the Kurdish part of Iran. Since then, I’ve built one of the Nordic region’s largest marketing companies, written several books—most recently 404: Människan saknas (404: Human Missing)—and host VD-podden, where I talk with leaders and thinkers. But what I speak about on stage wasn’t learned in the boardroom. I learned it in a hospital room, the night my body stopped obeying and I realized it had never been a machine.
For twenty years, I have stood at the forefront of technology. I love what AI makes possible, and I refuse to let calculation be the only metric by which we measure a human being. That is the tension I bring into every room: between what technology promises and what it can never deliver.”
Technology, Philosophy, and Trends
Arash is not just a business leader; he is a thought leader. As a columnist at Breakit, he sheds light on the latest trends and challenges in technology and business, often through the lens of his passion for philosophy. His previous publications, including bestsellers such as Get Digital or Die Trying and Apparnas planet: människans roll i en digital värld (Planet of the Apps: Man’s Role in a Digital World), have cemented his reputation as one of the most insightful voices on digitalization.
With I LOVE AI, Arash takes us on a journey through the AI landscape, combining technical expertise with philosophical reflection to show how we can leverage this groundbreaking technology in a meaningful and highly tangible way.
In 2026, Arash published the book 404: Människan saknas, drawing on his personal experiences to offer an existential reflection on our time—an era where technology not only helps us understand the world, but increasingly shapes how we experience it, and ultimately, who we are.
Book Arash for a keynote, half-day session, or digital seminar, in Swedish or English. He speaks to executive teams, kick-offs, customer events, and conferences looking for something to reflect on long after the event.
Book Arash Gilan
We will get back to you at the latest by the next business day.